From Canada to Casablanca: The Northern Super League's Growing Influence on the Global Stage
By Nii Wallace-Bruce
Part One of a three-part series examining the connection between Northern Super League and international football
The Africa Cup of Nations has long served as a showcase for the continent's finest talent, but this year's tournament in Morocco carries an additional Canadian connection.
While European clubs continue to dominate WAFCON rosters, the appearance of multiple Northern Super League players illustrates how quickly Canada’s new competition is becoming part of the wider player pathway for the women’s game globally.
International tournaments have long served as a measure of a domestic league's strength and reputation.
Every player selected reinforces the notion that the Northern Super League is not simply providing opportunities for Canadian players.
It is also emerging as an attractive destination for established internationals seeking meaningful competition.
Nigeria’s Familiar Leader
Leading that contingent is AFC Toronto forward Esther Okoronkwo, who returns to the continental stage with Nigeria's Super Falcons as the defending champions seek to retain the crown they reclaimed in 2025.
Having established herself as one of Nigeria's most dangerous attacking outlets, Okoronkwo arrives in Morocco carrying both experience and expectation.
In 2025, she was leading the line for the Super Falcons while also playing a large role for Toronto in their inaugural season. Her 2026 season was disrupted by injury.
Even so, both club and country know what she can offer when fully fit.
AFC Toronto and the Super Falcons deploy high-pressing tactics, with a view to attacking vertically, regardless of the opponent.
The shared tactical approach complements Okoronkwo’s strengths both in possession and in her movement off the ball.
AFC Toronto's global presence does not end there.
AFC Toronto Striker Esther Okoronkwo will look to take the next step in her journey with Nigeria’s Super Falcons in Morocco (Photo Credit: Jonathan Patlan)
Ghana’s Growing NSL Influence
Midfielder Linda Owusu-Ansah has earned a place in Ghana's provisional squad as the Black Queens prepare for another attempt to re-establish themselves among Africa's elite. Owusu-Ansah has represented Ghana at youth levels and earned a senior call-up for Ghana’s June training camp.
She told PSP Media that it is her dream to represent Ghana and also leave a lasting impact on the game at home and abroad.
Her inclusion reflects both her individual progress and the rising credibility of the NSL as a destination capable of producing and elevating international-calibre players.
The Roses of Montreal are also represented through Evelyn Badu, whose technical quality and composure have made her one of Ghana's most intriguing midfield options.
After helping her nation to finish third at the 2025 edition, Badu is expected to be part of the Black Queens' plans as they look to go a step further in 2026.
Scoring the first hat-trick of the 2026 NSL season only strengthened her credentials.
Black Queens coach Kim Lars Björkegren has been implementing a style of play that favours possession as well as quick ball recovery.
These attributes could see the involvement of Badu and Owusu-Ansah, both of whom look comfortable in build-up play and when out of possession.
A Young League with Worldwide Reach
For a league still writing its opening chapter, these selections carry significance beyond individual achievement.
That influence stretches thousands of kilometres from Canadian cities to North African stadiums and beyond, connecting supporters across continents through a shared football story.
When WAFCON 2026 begins, the spotlight will naturally fall on Nigeria's pursuit of another title and Ghana's bid to return to the latter stages of the competition.
Running alongside those narratives, however, will be another worth watching: the emergence of a Canadian league that is already exporting talent to one of the game's premier tournaments.
The distances may be vast, but the connections are becoming increasingly clear.
From Toronto and Montreal to Morocco, the Northern Super League is beginning to establish a presence on African football’s biggest stage.
Sources:
Marko Milanović, AFC Toronto Head Coach, press conference, 11 July 2026
Linda Owusu-Ansah, AFC Toronto player, personal interview, 11 July 2026
AFC Toronto, “Olympic Gold Medallist Shelina Zadorsky Signs with AFC Toronto”, 8 July 2026
AFC Toronto, “Canadian International Sabrina D'Angelo Comes Home to AFC Toronto”, 26 June 2026
Northern Super League, “APEX Takes Strategic Stake in the Northern Super League, Canada's First Professional Women's Soccer League”, 7 July 2026
Ghana Football Association, “Kim Lars names provisional squad for WAFCON 2026”, 6 July 2026
Nigeria Football Association, “14th Women Africa Cup of Nations: Madugu picks Ajibade, Nnadozie, 23 others for title defence”, 10 July 2026
Photo Credits:
Esther Okoronkwo, Jonathan Patlan, 11 July 2026 - Photo courtesy of assignment by PSP Media
Linda Owusu-Ansah, Jacob Garland, 14 June 2026 - Photo courtesy of Jacob Garland
Video Credits:
Evelyn Badu GOTW, Northern Super League, 10 July 2026 - Video courtesy @northernsuperleague via X
All photos are used with permission. All rights reserved to the creator.
Support PSP Media
If this article resonated with you, consider supporting PSP Media.
Every contribution helps support independent research and reporting